This one slipped through the cracks and appeared on Creative's Hong Kong Web site out of nowhere. While we are still awaiting more availability and pricing details for the Zen Krystal from Creative Singapore, the information posted on the site clearly shows that it's aimed at sports enthusiasts with its minimalistic yet lightweight design (57 x 37 x 10.8mm; 22g). Which smacks of the company's earlier Zen Stone Plus with speakers (53.6 x 35.4 x 12.8mm; 18.5).
What's unique and probably a first for Creative is the built-in pedometer, which allows users to track their workout regime, much like the Nike+iPod Sports Kit. The Zen Krystal also features a stopwatch function, onboard motion-sensing games, FM radio, voice recorder, and promises up to 10 hours of music playback with its built-in rechargeable battery. It comes with 4GB of storage space and a 0.7-inch blue OLED display.
According to the Creative HK Web site, the Zen Krystal is bundled with a pouch, wrist strap with lens cleaning cloth, earphones, USB cable and Quick Start leaflet. It will retail for about HK$698 (US$89.51), which puts it on par with the Zen Stone Plus (with built-in speaker) in terms of pricing.
Last year, Meizu unveiled its M8 phone which caught our attention (as well as many others out there) with its uncanny resemblance to the Apple iPhone. Now, more than a year after the first announcement, the company's CEO Jack Wong is offering new updates to this elusive iPhone clone.
According to Wong's posts on the Meizu forum, the company will release more specifications and pictures of the phone in August. However, contrary to several reports out there, Meizu will not be launching its first version of the M8 (with 128MB RAM) in August, followed by the second version (with 256MB RAM and 8GB storage) in October. Instead, the company will be distributing internal test models (literal translation) of the M8 (with 128MB RAM) to selected users. For those not selected for "initial trial", Meizu will provide the so-called test versions of the M8 (with 256MB RAM and 8GB storage) in October at 2,180 yuan (US$320).
What's really dodgy about this whole statement is the fact that Meizu, having delayed the M8 for over a year, is releasing only the internal test version in August. (C'mon, Apple's already released its second iPhone!) And get this, the second version slated for October is also a test version, though supposedly with better features. Which really makes you wonder if its CEO has seen the M8 himself or if the product actually exists, as some of the forum contributors have commented.
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First announced during CES earlier this year, Philips' new range of in-ear headphones have finally made their way over to Asia. From the way the company is describing these headphones, it seems to be targeting the mid to high end of the market, those who would spend a little bit more for an entry-level Shure or Etymotic pair of in-ears.
The S$99 SHE9800 model comes with three pairs of exchangeable earbuds just in case the default size doesn't fit the user. The pricier SHE9850 model costs S$179 and, aside from the earbuds, comes with memory foam sleeves which conform to the shape of the user's ears. It's not new, of course, but these have commonly been found bundled with really high-end in-ear headphones like those from Shure. Both models are available throughout Asia Pacific, so check out a store near you if you want one.
Following the recent launch of its Zen X-Fi player, audio device maker Creative today announced its upcoming pair of in-ear headset, the EP630i, for the Singapore market. Targeted mainly at iPhone users, the black EP630i is the first pair of Creative earphones we've seen that features an integrated in-line microphone. It also comes with a button to facilitate toggling between making calls and listening to music.
According to Creative, the EP630i is powered by 9mm Neodymium magnet drivers and comes with silicon earbuds in three different sizes. While it is not indicated in the press release whether the EP630i will be launched in other countries, the headset is expected to debut in Singapore in early September at a retail price of S$79 (US$58.09).
Update: Creative has just confirmed that the EP630i will be available in Singapore and Hong Kong in July, followed by other Asian markets from August 2008 onwards. The company has also clarified that the EP630i is not its first earphones with built-in microphone, though it is Creative's first headset targeting the mobile phone market, specifically the iPhone. In addition, the in-line microphone can be used for voice recording on the iPhone, but it will require an additional application (such as voice memo or voice note) to be installed.
If you are thinking of buying a musical instrument which is fun and attractive at the same time for your pre-school child, consider AMK. With it, the kid can compose his own songs and probably create one hell of a noise. So best prepare the earplugs or just bear with it.
PKNTS Alle Meine Klange (AMK) is the result when Guitar Hero and Lego are put together. It is a musical instrument for children which they can dismantle and put together like building blocks easily, in many different ways.
Each block represents different functions, such as a loudspeaker, recorder, a replay function and even sound effects. With just a twist and press of the colorful buttons, this will activate the blocks. Then, the young musician can upload the song he's composed to the computer.
This will probably keep your child occupied for long hours.
Credit: Yanko Design